What We’re Looking For:
A photographer has many competing needs when choosing a laptop, so we have tried to cover the most common areas for this list. We have considered the price, functionality, performance, and durability to achieve the following options.
- Best PC Laptop for Photographers: Dell XPS 15 (9510)
- Best Apple Laptop for Photographers: MacBook Pro M1 (13.3”)
- Best Budget Laptop for Photographers: Asus VivoBook S15 S533
- Best Detachable 2-in-1 Laptop for Photographers: Microsoft Surface Pro 8
- Best Overall Workstation-Class Laptop for Photographers: HP ZBook Studio G8
- Best Value Workstation-Class Laptop for Photographers: Gigabyte Aero 17
Best PC Laptop for Photographers: Dell XPS 15 (9510)
CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H (11th Gen)
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6
RAM: 32GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB M.2 PCle NVMe SSD
Display: 15.6-inch, 3.5K OLED (3456×2160)
Size: 13.57 x 9.06 x 0.71-inch
Weight: 3.99lb
Price: Starting at $2,008.99
The key for each choice for "the best PC" on a list like this is not because of some perfect things or that it is loaded with full of excessive frankly features for 99% photographers, but it's fine "." There is no laptop On this list with a better bill than Dell's XPS 15 (9510): it only works with flats.
No matter your needs, skills, or financial situation, there is an XPS 15 configuration that will make you happy, and, most importantly, complete work. Configuration and largely available options are a big part of what makes our top choice. Every specification can be selected by the user without changing the entire system. For example, if you don't care about the OLED 3.5K screen, you can lower the 15.6-inch version of FHD + infinity edged and knock around $ 200, for example. That said, we thought that $ 200 extras were more than commensurate at an additional cost considering how much improvement you got.
We have chosen what we see as the optimal combination for processing power, storage, screen quality, and price and will run you around $ 2,000. The 3.5k anti-glare screen (3456 × 2160) 15.6 inches is very impressive, with a 400-nits brightness and an infinite edge of the razor on the four sides. In terms of processing power, you will get the 11th generation Intel Core i7, a 32GB RAM whopping, and 512GB SSD, which is very suitable for most - especially because many photographers work from external storage.
Design in all sleek and comfortable configurations, with keycaps and a fun touchpad, get the size of the previous model increased. In accordance with the vibration "do everything pretty well", the port selection is mostly fine, offering three USB-C ports to charge and connect to peripherals. Two of them are Thunderbolt 4, which is very welcomed and something that is not a lot of pcs boast. There is also a full-sized SD card reader.
For those who want more spring in their steps, you can increase your investment by moving to the Core i9 CPU, double your RAM to 64GB, and increase your storage capacity by up to 8TB, and even improve your graph to GeForce RTX NVIDIA 3050 IT. You also have the option to increase the brightness screen UHD + 3740 × 2400 500-NIT. All of these improvements are excessive for almost all photographers, but those whose work requires hybrid photos and videos can find increased CPU, RAM, storage, and graphic power to be commensurate with additional cash.
Instead, the basic level models are available to start at $ 1,273.99 - if you are willing to go down to Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, SSD 256GB, Intel UHD graphics integrated, and the basic display of FHD + (1920 × 1200). But, as mentioned, you can adjust this specification to suit your needs (and budget). And maybe the best of all, both RAM and SSD can be upgraded by users (no soldered here), make a leap from the base model up to 16GB or even 32GB of RAM which is quite easy and affordable after purchase. The integrated graph of the base model is demerit, but casual photographers will not have complaints because most photo editing applications only depend on CPU processing.
No matter which configuration you choose for XPS 15, you will find yourself continuing to work without a commotion, without problems, and with a little pleasure. The only downside to this machine is very popular so you might have a little problem that finds one in stock. If everything fails, they are always available directly from Dell, and the website offers guaranteed matches.
Best Apple Laptop for Photographers: MacBook Pro M1 (13.3”)
CPU: M1 8-Core (4 high-performance and 4 high-efficiency cores)
GPU: M1 8-Core Integrated
RAM: 8GB Embedded DRAM
Storage: 256GB Integrated PCle SSD
Display: 13.3-inch, Retina Display (2560 x 1600)
Size: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61-inch
Weight: 3 pounds
Price: Starting at $1,199
2019 MacBook Pro 16 inches is, and still, one of the most impressive laptops in this industry. So why focus on MacBook Pro with M1? Predicted, everything returned to the M1 chip, which we described as "Revolution" in our reviews about the M1 Macbook Pro. This may seem to be excessive if you haven't used this device, but M1 makes a legitimate transformational experience. This moves with the speed of your wishes.
It is possible to seize M1 down, but you have to sweat to do it by opening the number of crazy windows and programs before the stuttering instructions appear. When it comes to Photoshop, this machine is flat-out smoking of most competitions, especially those at the same level. Factors in battery life and M1 began to feel unbeatable.
From the design perspective, that's what you expect from a MacBook, complete with all the expected benefits and weaknesses. The 13-inch screen, bragging that the beautiful retina display (with 100% DCI-P3 coverage), still suffers from a thick bezel that is annoying. That said, it was much brighter than you expected, surpassing many competitors (even popular members of MacBook Line), and providing quality color information. The magical keyboard might not be suitable for everyone, but those who like it will really, really like it. The whole weight is still a problem but can be managed.
Maximum 16GB RAM is one of the sacrifices here, although it should be noted that RAM M1 goes further than those who have an Intel or AMD processor - 16GB model will serve those who edit high-resolution photos and / or videos, while the 8GB model is a good choice for everyday photographers with a limited budget. Other Niggles are two Thunderbolt 4 ports, but this is easily expanded with superior products such as OWC Thunderbolt 4 Hub or Thunderbolt 4 Dock.
It is also important to be mentioned here that the 14-inch MacBook Pro and a new 16-inch that has just been announced, which displays your option against the M1 Pro and M1 Max chip, seems to be a struggling step not only on the MacBook path. itself but computing in general. It can notify your decision to delay purchases in two ways - good preorder one of the newer and stronger models or waiting prices down on the 13.3-inch M1 version. We are sure to say you will not be disappointed that way.
The most affordable model - MacBook Pro 14 "with M1 Pro Chip - starts at $ 1.999. You get a minimum of 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD (versus 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD for M1), 10-bit correct tone 100% DCI-P3 Retina XDR With HDR mode and promotion (up to 120Hz), and a description of 1,000 nits (1,600 nit peak), three Thunderbolt 4 ports (versus two), the return of MagSafe power, SDXC card slot, an HDMI port, and 3.5mm audio jack. Oh, and Of course you get a new M1 Pro chip, with an 8-core CPU (six performance, two high-efficiency cores), 14-core GPU, and 16 nerve machines. So, yes, I would say it is worth an additional $ 800.
One note: current supply is a problem throughout the technology landscape, so getting your hands on the latest MacBook pro may be difficult.
If you need a computer soon, the best alternative is a 13.3-inch MacBook Air which is a slightly more affordable M1 present at $ 949. It's missing very little compared to his bigger brother: Seven GPU Core versus eight, the brightness of the screen drops from 500 Nits become 400, and you lose the touch bar (which might be truly positive for many people).
Best Budget Laptop for Photographers: Asus Vivobook S15 S533
CPU: GPU: Intel Iris Xe
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB PCle SSD
Display: 15.6-inch, Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Size: 14.2 x 9.2 x 0.63-inch
Weight: 3.97lb
Price: Starting at $729.99
VivoBook S15 S533 is not the strongest computer on this list. It doesn't have the most beautiful look. It does not have a graph or CPU power from the top of the line. However, what it has is the price that will make you feel like you have gone with something. For more than $ 700, this is the most complete laptop, a photographer who counts money they will find.
Don't get me wrong, despite the price of the budget, you will not feel embarrassed with an interesting VivoBook S15 to start working in any location. The very professional look and feel, thank you no small part to the full HD screen (1080p) of 15.6 inches. The build is also slim, which means it will easily into your bag. It is solid, but not arrogant. The processing power here will not blow your hair back, but Intel Core i5 is not hunched, and for an additional $ 270, you can improve to VivoBook S15 S532EQ A Core i7-1165g7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and dedicated NVIDIA MX350 graphics card.
For average users, SSD 512GB is adequate. Whoever beyond that level has invested in additional external storage, so the basic model of the VivoBook S15 has no significant weakness for average users, aware of the budget. Again, do we mention the price? The VivoBook S15 Punches above is far above the price class and is a pleasant surprise and the best choice for those who have a limited budget. Oh, and it comes in a choice of black, gray, red, green, and white.
Alternatively, the IdeaPad 5 Lenovo 15.6 inches is a solid choice. This machine is at the perfect sweet point between processing, affordability, and reliability. With the 11th Intel Intel Gen Processor and 16GB of generous DDR4 ram boot and running your photo editing software, there will be no problems. The screen is fine with Full HD, but the Ideapad also gives you an unexpected amount of storage (512GB) for the price. Definitely worth considering.
Best Overall Workstation-Class Laptop for Photographers: HP ZBook Studio G8
CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H 8-Core
GPU: NVIDIA Quadro T1200 4GB GDDR6 VRAM
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 512 GB PCle M.2 SSD
Display: 15.6-inch Anti-Glare IPS (1920 x 1080)
Size: 13.94 x 9.24 x 0.7-inch
Weight: 3.95lb
Price: Starting at $2,349
As we recorded in our recent reviews, the ZBook line always struggled for attention in the cellular workstation segment but constantly going under the radar. With the ZBook Studio G8, we think it must change. In some cases, it should not be surprising that the line seems to argue with himself whether he wants to pump a business laptop or gaming rig will eventually divide the difference and stumble on the ideal machine for editing photos.
Prices can increase eyebrows, but the ZBook Studio G8 positions itself in direct competition with premium machines available from people like Razer. After expectations adjust, you will find the Studio G8 more than a decent option in that room. G8 is an all-in-one machine that is intended to facilitate work, play or see your throws.
Construction only confirms the double focus on luxury and strength. Magnesium and Aluminum Alloy Build are rude because they are perfected. The design is sharp, slim, but its resistance has never been questioned. We touch how wide testing on these machines is in our review but enough to say: You can be sure that the G8 can handle whatever you threw into it. Literally.
The keyboard action is fun and precise, and the trackpad with glass, while smaller than you expect, is quite responsive and gives a very satisfying tactile click. Touch screen OLED 4K 15.6 inches brilliant and one of the most satisfying screens on this list. Playback to Polish marriage and durability, also covered in Gorilla Glass 6.
Under the tent, there is quite a lot to cheer for. The marriage of an Intel Core 8-Core i9-11950h, 16GB RAM, and GDDR6 4GB NVIDIA Quadro T1200 4GB graphics card makes this a fantastic fit for each photographer. 512GB M.2 SSD is a lot for those who work from an external SSD or hard drive too.
But the ZBook Studio G8 can take a leap from being an excellent photo editing machine to absolute monsters to edit photos, videos, and graphics - or pretty much other things you can throw. Maxed out with Intel Core i9-11950H processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080, and the IPS DREAMCOLOR 120HZ 3840 x 2160, can handle anything you throw - everything while staying sleek and user-friendly Like any medium-sized laptop. This will be subject to an eye-watering fee of $ 5,198.95.
One deficit - and it seems like a rather look remembering the purpose of the device - is the scarcity of available ports. Two Thunderbolt 4 USB4 Type-C is of course welcomed, but they are only accompanied by a USB-A port 3.2 Gen 1, one 3.5 mm headphone jack/mic combo, one HDMI 2.1, and one mini display. This is the amount that can be deciphered, but for the price of HP asking, we will hope and expect a little more. Predicted, for tables like this, the battery life is only a decent - five hours only frustrating at this level.
However, this is one of the more beautiful and stronger laptops on the market, and even though the price is likely to be considered by those who respect than most. Reliability and performance are high volume keys, work consistently to the deadline. On this front, Studio G8 is a miracle. In the end, it might be the most interesting for what is used. If this is a signal towards the Zbook line moving, the future is very interesting.
Best Detachable 2-In-1 Laptop for Photographers: Microsoft Surface Pro 8
CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7 Quad-Core
GPU: Intel Iris Xe
RAM: 8GB LPDDR4x
Storage: 128GB SSD
Display: 13-inch, PixelSense Flow 10-Point Touchscreen (2880 x 1920)
Size: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37-inch
Weight: 1.96lb
Price: Starting at $1,099.99
Every company makes it at this time, but Microsoft remains a king of the hill when it comes to a tablet "2-in-1" PC. The surface line of the company remains a juggernaut in the growing market, and Surface Pro 8 is the latest example of dominance. Combining 7 performance improvements with modern X designs, then improving in both, the pro 8 surface is the best line that has been offered.
One looks on the screen and the forward leap becomes clear - literally. Gone is a chunkier bezel from the past, making space for a larger 13-inch pixel sense display. Size is not the only upgrade; Resolution has been driven in a speech of 2880 x 1920. If you are on the market for a 2-in-1 can be removed, you already know the screen you will not compete directly with a special laptop, but this sharper appearance goes far towards making you forget. Add a new shocking 120Hz refresh speed and record stellar pixel sense track with color and brightness, and you have one beautiful view. Your eyes are not alone in their excitement. Your fingers get their time too. That the increase in speed refresh means that every practical touch glides across the screen at the speed of thought. There is no use for touch screens that are not upgraded by this upgrade, and you will see.
However, what you do not notice is that the weight and thickness of the pro 8 surface have been expanded with Revamp - and this is a good thing. The pro surface is always concise and light, clearly positive in 2-in-1 space. It provides Microsoft space for bulk for the right reason without being complicated. So what is the extra size mean for you? Increase thermal space, and thus improve performance. Using Pugetbench Puget Systems for Photoshop tests, Surface Pro 8 shows itself near the top of the package among colleagues for the most important tasks for a photographer.
The problem is, of course, is that to really feel the increase in the surface of the Pro 8 represent, someone needs to be committed to the $ 1599 model featuring Gen 11 Intel Core i7-1185g7. At this point, the cost-benefit must be played, especially considering Microsoft refused to enter the keyboard from the box. The good news is, both the closing keyboard and exceptional slim pen to use. The bad news is, you see almost $ 300 more for pleasure (or must, as if). Of course, if you are on the market for the surface, you are likely to make peace with this reality, and the headline here is the "2-in-1 best" ", not the best 2-in-1 budget. "Pro surface 8 is a truly beautiful device, and it's best to offer from leaders in the field.
It might not be surprising that the best choice outside the latest pro surface is ... Microsoft next-to-latest "Microsoft Surface Pro 7. With introduced 8, Pro 7 is due to a discount.
